Application criteria

Applications can be submitted by individuals or teams of up to 4 students

Applications must be sponsored by an adult educator (e.g. a teacher, parent/guardian, or science enthusiast)

Applicants must be available to present at the ISS R&D Conference in San Francisco, July 23-26, 2018 (funding for travel provided)

Applicants must propose a DNA analysis experiment to be conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and describe what role the ISS and PCR technology play in your experiment.

Your tools

International Space Station

miniPCR™ machine

You!

International Space Station

The ISS on-orbit laboratory enables scientific research supporting innovation on Earth and serves as a testbed for deep space exploration. Fifteen countries collaborated to assemble the world's only permanently crewed orbital facility. This research platform houses a crew of six and 150 ongoing experiments across an array of scientific disciplines. Its interior living space is comparable to a five-bedroom home, complete with two bathrooms and exercise accommodations. Learn more.

miniPCR™ machine

Part of the growing molecular genetics equipment newly aboard the ISS National Laboratory. The miniPCR™ machine enables the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR is a powerful technology used to amplify a selected piece of DNA to generate millions of copies for further analysis. Learn more.

You!

Work on your proposal individually or as a team of up to 4 students, mentored by an adult educator (e.g. teacher, parent/guardian, or science enthusiast)

Timeline

Open January 16, 2018

Submit by April 20, 2018

Awardees May 15, 2018

Mentoring June/July

Winners announced July 26, 2018

Space Biology Camp August/September 2018

YOUR DNA EXPERIMENT IN SPACE 2019

Judging

Your submission will be judged by a panel of scientists and thought leaders on the creative and scientific merit of your experimental idea

Scoring criteria:

Submissions are reviewed blindly by a panel of Ph.D.-trained scientists and experienced space technologists. Your application will be scored on the creative and scientific merit of your experimental idea.

i. Have you identified an interesting question? 25 points

ii. Have you stated a clear hypothesis? 25 points

iii. Does your hypothesis require the unique environment of the ISS? 30 points

iv. Does your experimental design make creative use of PCR in space? 20 points

FAQ

You must submit your experimental idea online on or before April 20, 2018, 11:59pm PDT.

Do I need any biotechnology equipment or access to a lab to enter the competition?

No. Your submission will be judged on creative and scientific merit of your idea. If selected as the winner, you will attend Space Biology Camp to prepare your experiment for space travel.

Does my experiment need to use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)?

Yes, PCR needs to play a role in your experiment. However, access to a PCR machine or prior knowledge of how to use a PCR machine is not required. Finalists will receive miniPCR DNA Discovery SystemTM for their schools.

Can I access other molecular biology tools aboard the ISS?

The field of space DNA research is so nascent that we can only provide limited access to additional DNA analysis equipment on-orbit, beyond the miniPCR thermal cycler. Most prior Genes in Space experiments have analyzed DNA samples by gel electrophoresis of samples returned to Earth. The Genes in Space-3 investigation has recently opened up the possibility of direct DNA sequencing of samples amplified on-orbit. Genes in Space winners will work alongside their mentors, astronauts, and space biologists to push the boundaries of DNA analysis in space!

What biotech equipment will finalist schools be awarded?

Finalists will be awarded the miniPCR DNA Discovery SystemTM including a miniPCRTM machine and a blueGelTM electrophoresis system. More details

If I win, will my experiment be done in space?

Yes! The winning experimental design will be conducted aboard the International Space Station, pending approval from Center for the Advancement for Science In Space (CASIS). The exact launch date will be determined after winners are announced.

Will I be able to get the sample back after the experiment?

Yes, the experimental plan includes returning your DNA samples back to Earth for further analysis, validation, controls, or just to store a piece of Space DNA!

Can my experiment utilize quantitative PCR (qPCR)?

miniPCR is a conventional (end point) PCR thermal cycler. However, you can propose an experiment that uses quantitative PCR (also referred to as real-time PCR or qPCR). It won’t affect your chances of winning the competition.

USA Finalists will have the unique opportunity to attend a USA Finalist reception, STEM tours, and to present their designs and obtain feedback from a panel of science, technology, and education experts at the ISS R&D Conference, in San Francisco, CA, from July 23-26, 2018.

What does the ISS R&D travel award cover?

Up to $4000 per USA finalist team can be used to reimburse transportation and lodging expenses.

Do I need to be available to attend the ISS R&D Conference, July 23-26 2018?

For USA teams, at least one team member and one adult chaperone must be available for travel.

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